10Strives in his little world of man to out-scorn
11The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain.

This ... couch this night, during which even the hungriest bear would stay in its den A cub-drawn bear is a sow which has been sucked dry by her cubs. unbonneted bare-headed bids what will take all This is a cry of desperate defiance; "take all" is the cry of a gambler staking his last.

12This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch,
13The lion and the belly-pinched wolf
14Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,
15And bids what will take all.

upon ... note on the strength of what I knowCommend ... you entrust a precious undertaking to you

18And dare, upon the warrant of my note,
19Commend a dear thing to you. There is division,
20Although as yet the face of it be cover'd
21With mutual cunning, 'twixt Albany and Cornwall;

as who ... set high?i.e., as has everyone who has been favored by destiny who seem no lessi.e., who appear to be loyal servantsspeculations scouts Intelligent of supplying intelligencesnuffs and packings quarrels and intriguesrein treatment

furnishings outward shows or pretexts | a power an army scatter'd divided Wise in aware of | feet footholds

at point ... banner on the verge of declaring war

22Who haveas who have not, that their great stars
23Throned and set high?servants, who seem no less,
24Which are to France the spies and speculations
25Intelligent of our state; what hath been seen,
26Either in snuffs and packings of the dukes,
27Or the hard rein which both of them have borne
28Against the old kind king; or something deeper,
29Whereof perchance these are but furnishings;
30But, true it is, from France there comes a power
31Into this scatter'd kingdom; who already,
32Wise in our negligence, have secret feet
33In some of our best ports, and are at point
34To show their open banner. Now to you:

credit trustworthiness | so far so far as

35If on my credit you dare build so far
36To make your speed to Dover, you shall find

making just reporti.e., for making an accurate report bemadding maddeningplain complain

37Some that will thank you, making just report
38Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow
39The king hath cause to plain.
40I am a gentleman of blood and breeding;
41And, from some knowledge and assurance, offer